Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of self-managing your arthritis. Excess weight increases your risk of developing osteoarthritis, and being overweight leads to greater pain and immobility once you have the disease. For any form of arthritis, extra pounds cause additional strain on already weakened joints. Overweight people tend to be less active, leading to deconditioned muscles and more joint pain. In addition, having a healthy, balanced diet can help keep your energy level up and reduce fatigue.

Diet may be linked to the development or aggravation of certain forms of arthritis, including gout. There may be an association between diet and the progression of knee osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Achieving a healthy, balanced diet is good for your joint health and overall well-being.

For simple strategies to lose weight, get fit and improve your outlook, read Change Your Life from the editors of Arthritis Today. Order your copy today by calling (800) 283-7800.

*Unless otherwise noted, information in this section has been excerpted from The Arthritis Foundation’s Guide to Managing Your Arthritis, by Mary Anne Dunkin, copyright ©2001, Arthritis Foundation. For more information about ways to effectively manage your arthritis, or to purchase a copy of Guide to Managing Your Arthritis, call (800) 283-7800.